Luxembourg taken to court over wastewater failings

Luxembourg has been referred to the European Court of Justice for the second time for failing to adequately treat urban wastewater.

The small nation had previously been found guilty of having poor wastewater provisions in 2006 and now the European Commission has ordered it to face the music again.

Environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said four out of the 12 different regions of Luxembourg still do not comply with EU standards, despite having five years to rectify the problems.

He suggested the Commission had no option but to force Luxembourg to appear before judges again.

"Untreated urban wastewater is detrimental to the quality of Europe's rivers, lakes and coastal waters and a threat to public health," he commented.

The nation is likely to face a lump sum penalty and daily fines until the issue is resolved.

Last week, the Commission urged France and Greece to take stronger measures to ensure waterways are not polluted by nitrates.

Posted by Claire Manning